Medieval Helmets over the centuries various armies had different styles. One type used a lot was the kettle hat. This helmet was used by various European armies. The name kettle hat came from the helmet looking like a pot. The helmet was liked because of its wide brim which gave extra protection.
The kettle hat has been done on only a few figures in the plastic world. Off the top of my head I can only think of Starlux and Elastolin doing a kettle helmet. It man in a Kettle hat standing with lance and shield. I am sure there are other companies. Do you know?
Michael Purses has sent us some photos of his medieval kettle hat conversions to share with us. I am letting Michael give you the background on this conversion.
I have enclosed a couple of pictures my son Phil took of some of my 40mm Elastolin, Merten & Starlux knights.
Most of these figures have had a new style helmet made from a thumb tack. They were made by removing the spike & then drilling a hole in the center of the tack. The hole is then widened as required & is then slipper over the existing head to make a medieval kettle hat. I have included a couple of original figures in the picture to show the difference.
The mounted figure with the spear has a shield made from a furniture button (to be placed over a screw head on cheaper furniture.)
Imagination is the best part of this hobby.
I think Michael Purchases has done an excellent job especially when you realize the small scale he is working in. this technique could be used on other figures from different eras. We appreciate Michael letting us share the figures and their conversion with you, If you have any conversions you would like to share with your fellow collectors just contact us.
nice conversion Michael !
Great idea! They look good. I did a similar thing with the Ex Force 100 Yrs War figures . I transferred the extra helmets to some of my Barszo and other 60mm Medievals. It made them look like more of a fit with the 100 yrs War period. I’d post but I don’t know how.
Thanks Mark
These figures are a part of a battle of Crecy (1346) scene I have been collecting since the 60’s.
How many warehouses are required to store 50 years worth of figure collecting?
No warehouses but lots of display cabinet space as well as storage space. I am a 3rd generation toy soldier collector. The collection is large but most of it has been repainted & converted to the needs of the collection.
Nice job! You have to wonder why more toy manufacturers didn’t pay just a bit more attention to Historical accuracy. I can add one more company that made a few figures with this type of helmet – the Crusaders released through Steven’s Hobbies have an archer with said helmet. I’m not sure, but didn’t Barzo do a few for the Robin Hood set?
yes, so reamsa Willian /Hessler set and few other Europeans too .Marx try but not right too in the 60 mm knights I guess.
Greg
You may be right, after all the figures I have seen over the years, I am surprise what I remember.